How Sonke lost over 30kgs

Sonke Ngidi’s bad eating habits had her tipping the scales at over 100 kilograms and she was only in her twenties! Inspired by a Weigh Less magazine, she decided to adopt a healthier lifestyle and shed a whopping 31,6 kilograms. This is her story…

Teased about my weight

Being overweight was something I battled with most of my life, at school I was mocked and teased because of my weight, I lost self-esteem and confidence. Most times I felt like a victim and helpless and after my matric dance this and my weight spiralled out of control.

I gained 28 kilograms while pregnant and weighed 103 kilograms after the birth of my daughter! I was forced to have a C-section, because my bad eating habits had affected my daughter's weight. I lost control over what I ate, and junk food was always on the menu.

My BMI was peaking at 33 and this extra weight restricted me from many things, personally and professionally. Shopping for clothes was never fun because I struggled to find nice clothes that fitted me.

The turning point

One day my mom said to me, "Sonke, you must lose weight! You are still young and not married." I took this to heart and one day while grocery shopping, I saw the Weigh-Less Magazine. The cover story caught my attention and I bought it. That day was my turning point. I found a Weigh Less group in my area and joined.

After a week on Weigh-Less, I lost just over two kilograms. I was ecstatic! Seeing the amount of weight that I was losing each week inspired me to continue on my journey. I wasn't willing to disappoint myself, my group leader and everyone who offered me strength and support during my journey.

Staying motivated

I knew that I no longer wanted to be an overweight anymore and for added motivation I put up all the pictures of myself from when I was overweight. I had one in my bedroom, bathroom and at my desk at work. Whenever I felt like giving up, the pictures would remind me of my goal and it would reignite my inspiration.

Resisting temptations

Fridays were always the hardest. My colleagues would buy assorted take-aways, and, tempting though it was, I was able to conquer my cravings. I made sure that I had prepared a healthy lunch every day, to avoid any temptations.

When going out, I would adopt the survival technique of always eating beforehand. Using this method, I had control over the amount of food I ate in restaurants, and it also helped me make the right food choices from the menus.

Getting fit and toned

I joined a gym right after I reached my goal weight and enjoy aerobic workouts such as kick-boxing, boot camp and cardio exercises three times a week.

A growing sense of confidence

After seeing the visible changes in my body, everyone I knew started complimenting me. My confidence and self-esteem has improved drastically, which has impacted on both my social and work life. I am taken a lot more seriously at work than I was before and I have been given more responsibilities.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle has changed my life for the better - it’s the best decision I ever made. Through Weigh-Less, I have become a better person physically, emotionally and professionally. My weight loss has also encouraged my other sisters, who are overweight, to join Weigh-Less. I am grateful for the motivation and support I have received from my family, friends and Elise. I couldn’t have reached my goal without her!

Recommended reading: How Adrienne lost 30kg before her 50th birthday

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